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2015 NHL Draft Profiles (41-50)

by
Mark Stepneski
/ Dallas Stars

Here is the latest in a series of profiles on some of the top prospects for the 2015 NHL Draft, which will be held June 26-27 in Sunrise, Florida.

A note on the rankings. NHL Central Scouting breaks players into four categories: North American skaters and goaltenders; European skaters and goaltenders. Some of the independent and media services – Red Line Report and the Hockey News for example– rank all players together in one list. Others rank skaters and goaltenders separately.

This is part five of the series which is looking at 60 prospects leading up to the draft.

Was the top rookie scorer for Sault Ste. Marie (OHL) with 45 points (26 goals, 19 assists) in 66 games. Registered seven points (four goals, three assists) in 14 playoff games as Sault Ste. Marie made it to the conference finals. Named to OHL All-Rookie Second Team.

Quotable:

“He utilizes his outstanding speed to create scoring chances and has proven his dynamic abilities at top speeds. Played in a deep group of forwards this season and didn’t look out of place, expect him to be one of the offensive leaders next season. He shows no hesitation to drive net hard and get into higher percentage scoring areas. Good size player with very good hands and play making ability. Possesses very good hockey sense on both sides of the puck.” – International Scouting Services 2015 NHL Draft Guide

“He's one of the quickest players in this draft class, with an elite top gear and an ability to push defensemen off their gaps. He's solid defensively, including on the penalty kill.” – Corey Pronman, ESPN

Registered 48 points (14 goals, 34 assists) in 45 games with Waterloo (USHL). Named to the USHL All-Rookie Second Team. Won a bronze medal with USA at the 2014 Ivan Hlinka Memorial, leading the tournament in scoring with 11 points (five goals, six assists) in five games. Has committed to the University of Minnesota for 2015-16.

Quotable:

"Thomas is a very good skater who is elusive with the puck in traffic. He has the ability to see the ice really well and is creative at generating scoring opportunities. He is deceptively quick because of a smooth, strong skating stride.” – David Gregory, NHL Central Scouting

“Naturally instinctive around the offensive end. Creates loads of chances and has a sniper’s touch around net. Fine vision and anticipation and the puck just seems to follow him around the rink. ... Needs to become more competitive and mentally tough. Inconsistent and goes through long stretches where he becomes invisible.” – Red Line Report 2015 Draft Guide

Played for the USA U-18 team, registering 64 points (31 goals, 33 assists) in 66 games. Won gold medal with USA at 2015 U-18 World Junior Championship. Registered eight points (one goal, seven assists) in seven games and tied for fourth in the tournament in assists. Has committed to play at the University of Notre Dame for 2015-16.

Quotable:

“Hard working winger with some power to his game. Skating was fine with decent speed. Plays a physical board game with good net drive. Showed offensive skill with ability to see the ice and make plays in traffic. Should develop into a good 3rd line NHL player with potential to play as a top six.” – Jack Higgins, International Scouting Services

“He is a capable offensive forward with decent skating ability, passing, and shooting abilities. He is not explosive on his skates although shows decent speed and likes to wire shots as can really fire the puck in the slot or down the wing. He has good size and will create lots of scoring opportunities as he reads the play well and thinks a step ahead. He works below the dots well and has a knack around the net.” – HockeyProspect.com 2015 NHL Draft Black Book

Ranked second on Saginaw (OHL) in scoring with 48 points (22 goals, 26 assists) in 62 games. Had no points in four playoff games. Won bronze medal at 2015 U-18 World Junior Championship with Canada, finishing seventh in the tournament in scoring with ten points (five goals, five assists) in seven games. Registered six points (four goals, two assists) in five games as Canada won gold at 2014 Ivan Hlinka Memorial.

Quotable:

“Right handed center with very good speed and skills. Has outside speed and moves to beat opponents one on one. Has good hockey sense, creative with the puck, Has play making ability but sometimes could distribute the puck better and use give and go plays more often. Competes. Needs to get stronger.” – International Scouting Services 2015 NHL Draft Guide

“Stephens is a very good skater who uses his speed to create advantages for his team and he does it in multiple situations. He can break free for offensive chances. He can create offensive chances on the forecheck and is highly disruptive. He's a very good penalty killer and sacrifices at every turn. A player who looks to be very comfortable finding a way to contribute in all of the game's critical areas.” – Craig Button, TSN

Bracco ranked third on the USA U-18 team with 94 points (34 goals, 60 assists) in 65 games. His 64 assists were tops on the team. Won gold medal with USA at 2015 U-18 World Junior Championship and ranked second in points at the tournament with 13 (three goals, ten assists) in seven games. Has committed to Boston College for 2015-16.

Quotable:

“Bracco is an exciting -- albeit very small -- winger who can take over a game. He's a high-end skater with great agility, acceleration and ability to push the pace on exits and entries. When you combine his skating with his very high skill level, he's a nightmare for defenders to check. He's very coordinated, and draws your attention with the way he creates offense out of nothing. Scouts refer to him as an "assist machine" due to his talent level and his very creative playmaking style.” – Corey Pronman, ESPN

“Flashy phenom is small, but a pure skills guy. Has a dynamic combination of flat out speed, incredibly elusive east-west moves, and instant acceleration. Can easily undress defensemen 1-on-1, both off the rush and in tight quarters. A magician with the puck on his stick - super soft hands and stickhandling skills. He’s a highly imaginative playmaker who sees the ice beautifully and makes touch passes through traffic with accuracy. … Obviously, he can be a liability in the defensive end at his size. Gets overpowered along the wall by pinching defensemen and won’t sell out his body to clear the zone.” – Red Line Report 2015 Draft Guide

Played 29 games in Czech juniors, registering a 2.78 goals-against average and .925 save percentage. Also saw eight games in second level of Czech hockey, posting a 1.97 GAA and .933 SV%. Played for Czechs at 2015 U-18 World Junior Championship, registering a 3.38 goals-against average and .903 save percentage. Won silver medal at 2014 Ivan Hlinka Memorial, playing four games and posting a 3.66 GAA and .885 SV%.

Quotable:

“Vladar possesses very good skill with excellent quickness and the ability to move very well around his net to make saves. He competes in tight and his lower net coverage is very strong. He gets himself out of position too quickly at times and needs to understand his skill and size are his greatest allies. A very solid base to improve upon.” – Craig Button, TSN

“He has a strong and powerful leg drive, quickness and athleticism. He's just got that presence of being a future quality NHL goaltender.” – Al Jensen, NHL Central Scouting

Played in Russian junior league (MHL), registering 39 points (10 goals, 29 assists) in 45 games. Led the MHL playoffs with 11 goals and ranked sixth in points with 18 as team made it to the final round. Won a silver medal at the 2015 World Junior Championship, registering four points (one goal, three assists) in seven games.

Quotable:

This man-child has great tools. He’s huge with soft hands and good hockey sense. Power center is always involved at the offensive end, and shrugs off would-be checkers like they were fleas. Is tremendous on the cycle down low. Simply cannot be moved off the puck and has the vision and strength to spot ‘mates and get them the puck even with defenders draped over his back. … Strong on faceoffs. Outstanding penalty killer who gives up the body to block shots. Forceful player has an impact at both ends.” – Red Line Report 2015 Draft Guide

“For him, the smaller rinks are certainly not a problem, as he excels along the boards and at protecting the puck. He can play in all situations and at any forward position. He battles hard for possession, blocks shots, has good hands and playmaking abilities, but he is also a legit scoring threat with his wrist shot and powerful presence in front of the net.” – HockeyProspect.com 2015 NHL Draft Black Book

Registered 50 points (16 goals, 34 assists) in 50 games for Chicoutimi (QMJHL). Tallied five points (two goals, three assists) in five playoff games. Won a bronze medal with Canada at 2015 U-18 World Junior Championship and finished third on team with six points (three goals, three assists) in seven games. Won a gold medal at 2014 Ivan Hlinka Memorial, registering five points (one goal, four assists) in five games.

Quotable:

“The most prominent downside of Roy’s game is his skating. It’s not good enough for him to play at the NHL level at this point, and the query scouts have is whether he can improve it enough to play at the pace of the best league in the world. … But there is still much to like about him, particularly when it comes to his play once he gets to where he’s going. ‘Great hockey sense and really good around the net,’ [one] scout said. ‘He’s only 18, so it’s possible he can will his way to improve his skating. He’s got really good hands, but his feet have a long way to go.’” – The Hockey News Draft Preview

“He has rare tools with an impressive 6’4” frame, soft hands, and a long, powerful skating stride. His long reach is also a major strength, and he’s surprisingly quick and agile for such a tall, gangly player. … Has a hard wrist shot and is an above average passer, but seems hesitant to maximize his physical gifts. There just seems to be something missing mentally. Did not show much initiative or assertiveness offensively. Skates on his heels and is most comfortable on the perimeter despite his great size. Lacks maturity and is inconsistent. At this point he’s a huge wild card.” – Red Line Report 2015 Draft Guide

Played for USA Under-18 team, posting 44 points (nine goals, 35 assists) in 53 games. Won gold medal with USA at 2015 U-18 World Junior Championship, registering seven points (one goal, six assists) in seven games. Has committed to Boston University for 2015-16.

Quotable:

“Combines size skating and offensive ability. Plays a good power game protecting the puck, making plays and shooting when given the chance. Might need to improve his foot speed a bit but the rest of the tools are there to develop into an NHL player.” – Jack Higgins, International Scouting Services

“He's still somewhat raw, but has a lot of upside. Greenway is a bulky forward who uses his body well to win battles and protect the puck, and his offensive IQ shows very good flashes. Greenway skates and handles the puck well for a big man, although he's not top-end in either area. He has the tools and work ethic to succeed, but again, he'll need some developing.” – Corey Pronman, ESPN

Registered 45 points (eight goals, 37 assists) in 61 games for Erie of the OHL. Led OHL defenseman in playoff scoring with 17 points (five goals, 12 assists) in 19 games as Erie advanced to the league championship series.

Quotable:

“Dermott will not wow you with any flashy type of play but will impress with an overall efficient style where he is in the right positions, makes the right plays, doesn’t panic under pressure, will jump into attack at the right times and do so in a very controlled and competitive manner. A steadying, calm influence with a solid base of skill and intelligence.” – Craig Button, TSN

“His best asset is his hockey sense and smarts; he always seems to make the right play whether on the breakout or in his own zone. He has a cannon of a shot and can really blast it through traffic on goal. He exudes confidence, patience and creativity.” – Future Considerations 2015 NHL Draft Guide